H-D Forums Knowledge Base: How to Avoid Getting Rear-Ended
Face your fears and stay safe with these great tips from forum members.
Riding motorcycles is an inherently dangerous pursuit. Whenever we venture out on our motorcycles, the only real protection we are afforded is attached to our very bodies — helmets, gloves, boots, and armored jackets and pants.
That’s a far cry from the vehicles we share the road with — multi-ton steel behemoths piloted by an increasingly distracted and disinterested populace. Many of us feel most vulnerable at stop lights. While some accidents can be avoided, there is little we can do to avoid becoming rear-ended when we’re stopped in traffic — or is there?
As always, the H-D Forums community is there with a solution — or several, in this case. One of our H-D Forums members, GalvTexGuy, started a thread called “Tips to Keep From Getting Rear-Ended” that has turned into a seven page discussion about a very important topic.
He starts the thread off with several tips of his own. It all starts out with a good pre-ride inspection. Check your brake lights to make sure they work before each ride.
When you’re approaching a stoplight, GalvTexGuy suggests looking for a possible “escape route,” and positioning your bike in the lane appropriately. However, he also advises leaving plenty of space between your bike and the car in front of you.
Screamin beagle points out that it’s a bad idea to stop in the middle of the lane anyway. Grease and oil tend to collect there, and you don’t want that junk on your tires.
Several members suggest upgraded brake lights that are brighter or more noticeable. We all love personalizing our Harley-Davidsons. It’s rare that we have the opportunity to add a safety feature while making our bikes unique.
Other members chime in to suggest remaining vigilant at all costs. Paying close attention to your mirrors while stopped may help you spot an accident before it happens.
As far as we know, there isn’t a single motorcyclist alive with eyes on the back of their head. Regardless, practicing good situational awareness is key to preventing accidents. When you’re stopped on your motorcycle, don’t check out mentally. Pay close attention to your surroundings, and live to ride another day.
Photos: Harley-Davidson
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